Explosions Hit Iran's Qeshm After Trump Delays Strikes
As Gulf leaders urged restraint, Iran said the blasts were from destroying unexploded enemy ammunition, though earlier drone sightings had triggered air defense systems on the island.
May 19th 2026 ยท Iran
Explosions were heard on Iran's Qeshm Island on Tuesday, with local officials stating the sounds came from the neutralization of unexploded enemy ammunition, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The incident occurred hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had postponed planned airstrikes on Iran following requests from Gulf state leaders and after Tehran submitted a new peace proposal to Washington. Trump stated there was now a "very good chance" of reaching a deal limiting Iran's nuclear program. The explosions followed a night when drones were spotted over Qeshm Island, prompting air defense systems to activate on both Monday night and Tuesday morning, according to Iranian state-affiliated media. Pro-regime protesters took to the streets chanting "Death to Israel" and "Death to the United Arab Emirates" in response to the tensions. Trump revealed that Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had all requested he hold off on the strikes out of respect for their diplomatic efforts. The reported explosions and subsequent air defense activations come amid heightened regional tensions following the U.S. and Israel launching a war against Iran on February 28. Reuters could not independently verify whether preparations had been made for the strikes that Trump described as a planned resumption of military action against Iran.